Life cycle assessment (LCA) of heavy vehicles used in the mining industry

Abstract

The environmental problems are constantly worsening. This is visible as a result of increased production and use of means of transport. Although environmental impact assessment is practised in this sector, there is a lack of research dedicated to heavy vehicles. Therefore, the objective was to perform a life cycle assessment (LCA) of heavy vehicles used in mining (extractive industry) to determine which vehicles have the lowest environmental impact. A life cycle assessment of battery and diesel trucks used in mining was performed. The results of the analysis indicated that electric trucks have a lower environmental impact. However, the method is applicable to the analysis of any vehicle. It can be used by an entity (expert) to select vehicles with the lowest environmental impact in LCA. At the same time, it will be useful in assessing the environmental impact of heavy vehicles, including mining vehicles used in mining. The originality of the article is the method presented, which improves the calculation process as part of the vehicle life cycle assessment.